A man is facing federal charges after attempting to open the emergency exit of an airplane during his flight so that he could share his views on the vaccine.
32-year-old Michael Brandon Demarre was on a recent flight from Salt Lake City bound for Portland when, during the flight, he attempted to open the emergency exit of the plane. According to various reports, including a local KSL news station, Demarre, removed the plastic covering from the exit row door and used his full body weight in a failed attempt to open the door during the flight.
Of course, because the plane was pressurized, the door wouldn’t open mid-flight. A common misperception by passengers is that an emergency exit row door can be opened while the plane is flying. This is is a misnomer because while the plane is pressurized it’s virtually impossible to open the door. See the video at the end of this article for an explanation of the physics involved in aircraft doors.
Still, an attempt by a passenger to open a door mid-flight is still very likely to be a harrowing experience.
Such was the case for the passengers of Demarre’s Delta Airlines flight 1580 on February 11th when they observed him attempting to open the door.
A flight attendant intervened and ordered Demarre to stop touching the door. He complied and was moved to the back of the plane and placed in restraints. Four passengers were instructed to keep an eye on him until the termination of the flight.
After landing, Demarre was met by the authorities and taken into custody. He is now facing federal charges. No reports of drugs or intoxication were evident.
According to the KSL report, Demarre indicated that he only attempted to open the door so that he could share his views on COVID-19 and vaccines, in hopes that fellow passengers would film his attempt.
Demarre has previous convictions for a DUI and criminal mischief and remains in jail awaiting a court hearing.
